The tradition of gift registries has long been a staple for couples preparing to tie the knot. This tradition is first known to have come into present day in 1924 when a Chicago based department store realised they could capitalise on the Wedding and Baby Industry by setting up what they called a registry.
However, in recent years, there has been some debate about whether gift registries are still relevant in modern times. We’re going to explore the pros and cons of gift registries and discuss whether this tradition is still worth considering for today’s couples.
Pros of Gift Registries:
- Convenience: Gift registries make it easy for guests to choose a gift that the couple truly wants or needs, eliminating the guesswork and ensuring that the gift will be appreciated.
- Practicality: Couples can use gift registries to request items that will be useful as they start their new life together, such as kitchen appliances, home decor, or experiences.
- Customisation: Many gift registries allow couples to personalise their registry by adding items from their favourite stores or online retailers, giving them control over their wish list.
- Guest Guidance: Gift registries provide guests with guidance on what the couple desires, preventing duplicate gifts and reducing the likelihood of receiving items that may not suit their taste or lifestyle.
Cons of Gift Registries:
- Perceived Greed: Some couples may worry that creating a gift registry could be perceived as greedy or materialistic, especially if they already have established households or specific preferences.
- Irrelevance: The practicality aspect pretty much flies out the window as the tradition began for those who were getting married in their teens/early twenties and only moving out of home for the first time – therefore they needed things like sheets, kitchen appliances, dishes etc – in today’s modern age this isn’t the case.
- Lack of Surprise: Gift registries eliminate the element of surprise for both the couple and the guests, as recipients know exactly what they will receive, potentially diminishing the excitement of gift-giving.
- Limited Options: While gift registries offer convenience, they may limit guests’ creativity and freedom to choose a unique or personalised gift for the couple.
In 1924 this setup makes sense, but when most couples in 2024 are getting married in their 30’s and have already lived out of home and having possessed the traditional gifts what do you do?
In recent years we’ve seen the Wishing Well takeover and become a very common replacement. But did you also know that registries are still around at some of your favourite and perhaps unknown places?
Travel Agents: Flight Centre and other agents have a registry program where your guests can call up and add a monetary amount to your registry account, this is a great way to pay off your honeymoon!
Zankyou: Feel grateful enough and have everything you need? Zankyou is a charity registry for you to have fun, celebrate your love and give back in the process.
Hitchd: Hitched.com is the millennial way of starting a registry. Sign up, choose from a range of things like flights, accommodation, meals, experiences and more and send the link to your profile through to your guests to pay it off!
While the tradition of gift registries has evolved over time, it continues to serve as a practical and convenient option for couples and their guests just in a slightly different way. Ultimately, whether to create a gift registry is a personal decision that depends on the couple’s preferences, circumstances, and cultural upbringing. By carefully weighing the pros and cons, couples can determine if a gift registry aligns with their values and priorities for their special day.